Why Pope Leo XIV personally invited Tinubu to Rome – Bianca Ojukwu

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has shed light on why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was specially invited by Pope Leo XIV to attend his inaugural mass in Rome.

President Tinubu departed Abuja for Rome on Saturday following an invitation extended by the Vatican. The Nigerian leader is attending a solemn mass marking the official commencement of the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV—the 267th Bishop of Rome and spiritual head of the Roman Catholic Church.

The invitation was formally sent by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, on behalf of Pope Leo XIV, emphasizing the importance of Tinubu’s physical presence at the historic ceremony.

Providing further context during an appearance on NTA’s Weekend File from Rome, Mrs. Odumegwu-Ojukwu explained that the Pope’s longstanding connection with Nigeria played a pivotal role in the invitation. Before ascending to the papacy, Pope Leo XIV—formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost—had a notable history of engagement with the country.

“As Fr. Prevost and Prior General of the Augustinian Order between 2001 and 2013, he visited Nigeria no fewer than nine times,” she said. “Even after his tenure, he maintained close ties with Nigeria and was invited back in 2016 for the Mid-Chapter Assembly of the Nigerian Augustinians while serving as Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru.”

She further revealed that Cardinal Prevost had been expected in Nigeria in July this year for the ordination of Augustinian priests, prior to his elevation as Pope.

“This deep familiarity with Nigeria—its people, churches, and even specific locations like Abuja and Maiduguri—makes him no stranger to our country,” Mrs. Ojukwu noted.

She emphasized that Nigeria’s rapidly growing Catholic population also influenced the Pope’s decision.

“Nigeria has one of the fastest-growing Catholic communities in the world, and this is not lost on His Holiness,” she said.

Mrs. Ojukwu also highlighted the diplomatic and symbolic significance of Tinubu’s attendance at the Pontifical mass, especially as a Muslim leader.

“It is especially notable that President Tinubu, a Muslim, accepted this invitation,” she remarked. “It reflects his commitment to national unity and religious tolerance, showing that he is a president for all Nigerians, regardless of creed or faith.”

She further stated, “The presence of Nigeria at such a monumental religious event underscores our relevance in global faith diplomacy and builds a stronger relationship with the Vatican.”

She praised the President’s foreign policy direction, saying it prioritizes peace, religious harmony, and strategic global partnerships, particularly within Africa.

President Tinubu was accompanied to Rome by prominent Catholic leaders including Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri (President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria), Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos, and Bishop Matthew Kukah of Sokoto Diocese.